Mahjong Made Simple · Episode 7
You know which way to pass in the Charleston. Now comes the part that makes beginners stare at their racks a little longer: Which three tiles should I actually pass?
In Episode 6, we learned the Charleston passing order with ROLLOR. Today, we’re talking strategy. Here are five mistakes I’d stop making and what I’d do on the very first pass.
1. Picking a line on the card too early
When I first rack my tiles, I can often spot my first three passes before I even open the card. I look for tiles that seem disconnected from everything else. Then, as new tiles come in, I start narrowing down which section of the card looks promising.
Here’s how I remember it: Find your neighborhood first, then find your house. The neighborhood is a section of the card, like Consecutive Run. The house is the specific line you’ll play. Give yourself a few passes to see which direction gets stronger before you settle on a line.
Try it at home. Deal yourself 13 tiles and leave the card closed. Can you find three tiles that have the least in common with the rest of your rack? Open the card afterward and see if you’d still pass them.
2. Passing your 6s too early
On the 2026 card, 6s can fit into several different hands. If I’m still figuring out my direction, I’ll usually give a 6 another pass or two before letting it go. A tile that looks isolated on the deal might fit right in once a few more tiles come your way.
Once your rack points toward hands that don’t need the 6, it can go.
3. Passing a Flower before you’ve checked your options
A single Flower can be easy to overlook when you’re sorting by suit or number. Before you pass it, take a second to see if it supports any of the hands you’re considering. I like holding a Flower while I’m still deciding because it can keep several options open.
If none of your likely hands uses it, go ahead and pass it early. Give it a quick check before sending it on its way.
4. Sending both tiles of a pair to the same player
Pairs can help you spot a direction, especially if you’re considering a line that requires that exact pair. If you decide you won’t use it, split it up before you pass it.
Watch those two back-to-back passes to the left. The last pass of the first Charleston and the first pass of the second both go to the same person. If you send one tile on each of those passes, you’ve still handed that player the pair.
5. Overthinking a tile that’s already “dead to you”
A tile is dead to you when it doesn’t fit any of the hands you’re considering. If you’re building around a low consecutive run starting with 2s and none of your other options needs that 9 Crak, it’s probably one of your easiest passes.
When you’re stuck choosing your third tile, ask yourself, “Which of these would I be least excited to get back?” That’s often the one I send.
